The 4 Rules of SCUBA
1) Never hold your breath
As we learn in our open water class that holding your breath underwater can cause one of the three general types of lung overexpansion injuries: air embolism, pneumothorax, and tissue emphysema.
2) Don’t stay down to long
If you are not trained in staged decompression you must avoid staying down longer than your dive tables allow. Staying within the limits is the first step in preventing (DCS) Decompression Sickness.
3) Don’t come up to fast
The second step to preventing (DCS) is to always ascend at a (NAUI) rate of no faster than 9 meters (30 feet) per minute. This gives your body a chance to off gas some slight amount of nitrogen as you ascend and to avoid the rapid pressure change that could cause bubble formation.
4) NEVER DIVE IN CONDITIONS IN WITCH YOU HAVE NOT BEEN TRAINED
Understand your personal limitations as well as the limitations of your training and strive to stay within them. Seek professional training and assistance to learn new diving techniques, use unfamiliar equipment or when planning to dive in unfamiliar locations or conditions.
The 4 Rules of SCUBA: The facts are based on NAUI teachings and
will help in being a responsible diver as well as preventing injuries.